The Best XV from the Autumn Nations Series 2024
Autumn Nations Series: Standout Squad of the Tournament
After an exhilarating series, we've hand-picked the top XV performers from the 2024 Autumn Nations Series. Here's our selection!
15. Tom Wright (Australia)
Tom Wright's electrifying counterattacks caused most defenders nightmares. He displayed extraordinary game intelligence and excelled in the backfield, leaving rival teams on the edge.
Honourable mention: Will Jordan (New Zealand)
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Wright, a force of nature, consistently showed his Counterattacking capabilities, making him a constant threat to defenders. His exceptional game reading skills were paired with his ability to excel in the backfield, leaving opposition teams guessing. Despite Jordan's impressive performances, Wright's domination stood out, earning him a spot in our selected XV.
14. Cheslin Kolbe (South Africa)
Cheslin Kolbe was unlucky not to win the World Rugby Men's Player of the Year award in 2024. He was sensational throughout the series, lighting up the pitch with his incredible tries and deftly breaking through defensive lines with ease.
Darcy Graham, despite limited minutes, looked brilliant whenever he was on the field.
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Not only was Kolbe sensational throughout the series, but he was also unfortunate to miss out on the World Rugby Men's Player of the Year award. Graham, despite scarce minutes, showcased his true potential whenever he stepped onto the field. Kolbe's skill and agility in evading defenders, along with his incredible try-scoring abilities, sealed his spot in our picked XV.
13. Len Ikitau (Australia)
Len Ikitau stood out at both center positions, showcasing his exceptional game intelligence. This proved to be a valuable asset for Australia throughout the series.
Huw Jones was outstanding for Scotland, and Lucio Cinti is quickly becoming a key figure for Los Pumas.
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Ikitau's performance was so impressive that he shone in both center positions for Australia, demonstrating his exceptional game intelligence. Jones, on the other hand, dazzled for Scotland with his performance, while Cinti has swiftly cemented his place as a crucial part of Los Pumas. Ikitau's ability to adapt to changing circumstances and excel made him a worthy addition to our selected XV.
12. Damian de Allende (South Africa)
Underrated yet integral to South Africa's success in 2024, Damian de Allende consistently delivered in crucial moments.
Sione Tuipulotu also impressed with his performances for Scotland.
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Damian de Allende proved to be a pillar of support for South Africa in their triumphant 2024 campaign, consistently stepping up when it mattered most. Tuipulotu also caught the attention of fans and critics alike with his standout performances for Scotland. de Allende's unwavering commitment and dedication to the team earned him a well-deserved spot in our XV.
11. Louis Bielle-Biarrey (France)
No player left defenders in their wake as much as Louis Bielle-Biarrey during the series. The young Frenchman's blistering pace and exceptional decision-making for his age were highlights of his game.
Kurt-Lee Arendse remains a vital player for the Springboks.
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Louis Bielle-Biarrey left an indelible impression on the series with his breathtaking pace and uncanny decision-making. Despite his youth, he consistently outmaneuvered defenders, making him one of the standout players of the tournament. Arendse's continued importance to the Springboks solidified his position as a crucial part of the team.
10. Marcus Smith (England)
England's losses during the series didn't dampen the brilliance of Marcus Smith's performances. His ability to orchestrate England's attack was impressive, and his potential for growth is evident.
Thomas Albornoz was a trusted figure for Los Pumas.
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Despite England's struggles during the series, Smith's performances shone through, showcasing his talent for strategizing and leading the attack. Albornoz, on the other hand, emerged as a reliable presence for Los Pumas. Smith's ability to overcome adversity and maintain composure earned him a spot in our selected XV.
9. Jamison Gibson-Park (Ireland)
With Antoine Dupont splitting his time between sevens and fifteens in 2024, Jamison Gibson-Park stood out as the best scrumhalf of the series. His quality was evident throughout.
Cam Roigard made a strong impression with his performances for the All Blacks.
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Dupont's divided attention in 2024 left Gibson-Park to strut his stuff, and his performance was outstanding. Roigard, for the All Blacks, also caught the eye of fans and critics with his impressive showing. Gibson-Park's exceptional skills and commanding presence on the field made him an obvious choice for our selected XV.
8. Joaquin Oviedo (Argentina)
Joaquin Oviedo was Argentina's discovery of the year. His powerful carries and crucial interventions were instrumental in Argentina's success during the series.
Caelan Doris and Gregory Alldritt were also outstanding.
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Oviedo's performance during the 2024 series was nothing short of spectacular, ultimately earning him the title of Argentina's Discovery of the Year. Doris and Alldritt also shone, leaving a lasting impression on fans and critics alike. Oviedo's determination, skill, and sheer power earned him a spot in our selected XV.
7. Josh van der Flier (Ireland)
Known for his relentless work rate and tireless tackling abilities, Josh van der Flier stole the show when fit. He proved to be arguably the best openside flanker in world rugby throughout the series.
Alexandre Roumat and Fraser McReight also made their marks.
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Fit or not, van der Flier's contributions to the Irish team were undeniable during the 2024 series, as he single-handedly retained his status as arguably the best openside flanker in world rugby. Roumat and McReight also left lasting impressions on fans and critics, further proving the depth and talent in the back row positions.
6. Pieter-Steph du Toit (South Africa)
Hailed as the reigning World Rugby Player of the Year, Pieter-Steph du Toit's engine and work rate remained exceptional, even as he entered his 30s.
Rob Valetini and Chandler Cunningham-South also impressed, while Wallace Sititi emerged as a breakthrough talent.
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Regardless of age, du Toit proved again and again why he deserves his status as the reigning World Rugby Player of the Year. Valetini and Cunningham-South both demonstrated remarkable skill and potential, while Sititi announced himself as a breakthrough talent during the series.
5. Emmanuel Meafou (France)
Manu Meafou's exceptional ball skills for a player of his size caught the attention of spectators. He was dominant at the breakdown and disrupted defensive structures with his carries.
Julian Montoya led by example for Argentina, while Matt Faessler impressed for Australia.
4. Eben Etzebeth (South Africa)
Despite being in the twilight of his career, Eben Etzebeth continued to lead and perform at an elite level. He was superb throughout the series.
Nick Frost also delivered notable performances for the Wallabies.
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Defying the doubters, Etzebeth demonstrated once again why he is a force to be reckoned with in the world of rugby. Frost's exceptional performances further solidified Australia's formidable lineup.
3. Tyrel Lomax (New Zealand)
Unsurprisingly, Tyrel Lomax anchored the All Blacks' set piece effectively and contributed significantly in open play.
Wilco Louw enhanced his reputation during this series.
2. Peato Mauvaka (France)
Peato Mauvaka was a colossal presence on the pitch. He dominated the set piece, providing invaluable momentum in open play.
Julian Montoya led by example for Argentina, while Matt Faessler impressed for Australia.
1. Tamaiti Williams (New Zealand)
Tamaiti Williams' powerful scrummaging and effective play around the park proved he is one of the world's best props in 2024.
Ox Nche remains a cornerstone of the Springboks' forward pack.
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Williams' sheer power and unwavering determination in both scrummaging and open play catapulted him to international recognition in 2024. Nche, meanwhile, solidified his position as a rock in the heart of the Springboks' forward pack.
Editor's note: Josh van der Flier was named Player of the Series for the 2024 Autumn Nations Series[1]. His demonstrated talent, combined with his performances in the 2022 World Rugby Player of the Year award, highlight his status within the rugby world. For more detailed insights into other standout players from the series, additional resources or news articles from that period would prove helpful.
Sources
[1] - https://www.worldrugby.org/news/396579[2] - https://www.autumnnationsseries.com/player-of-the-series-announced[3] - https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/autumn-nations-series-2024-teams-pools-draw-b2011833.html[4] - https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/54629109
Disclaimer: This content is generated by language models, and its accuracy may vary. Please consult additional resources for definitive information.
Rugby continually showcases the exceptional talent and skill of players, as demonstrated during the Autumn Nations Series 2024. One standout performer earning recognition was Josh van der Flier from Ireland, who was named Player of the Series. While various players captivated audiences with their performances, a select few particularly shone in the backline.
Len Ikitau, a crew member for Australia, outperformed his competitors, displaying extraordinary intelligence on the field and cementing his value for his team. Marcus Smith, England's orchestrator, demonstrated brilliant potential for growth, despite England's losses during the series. Louis Bielle-Biarrey, France's young star, captivated viewers with his electrifying speed and impressive decision-making. Lastly, joining Damian de Allende as a South African force, Tom Wright showcased immense counterattacking capabilities, making him a constant threat to defenders.
Each of these players demonstrated remarkable skill and commitment during the series, and their contributions significantly influenced their team's success. The ever-evolving world of sports continues to amaze spectators with exciting athletes who embody the spirit and ingenuity of rugby.
